For anyone interested in seeing amazing travel destinations around the world, assignments are a great way to do it (and get paid for it!). I’ve held half a dozen jobs over the years simply because of location and/or travel perks. Here are some positions that will help improve your wandering:
Rafting guides. Many companies realize that this is not a lifelong vocation, so they are open to training newbies. You can enroll in a class and be certified to lead trips within six weeks. For those looking for more than just a summer job, you can always fly to the southern hemisphere (Chile and New Zealand are popular choices) for another term.
Flight attendant. While I lack the patience for this position, the benefits of traveling are extraordinary. How many people end their working day on another continent? In general, airlines will cover the trip on their own, and other providers offer a standard half discount for attendees. A word to the wise: don’t expect Indiana Jones special routes right away. Only attendees who have climbed the ladder a bit get the long-haul flights. If you’re new to the industry, you can expect short-haul travel for at least the first few months.
Long Distance Tour Guide. This kind of work is not for happy people. You are in charge of a dozen passengers and you drive them all over the country (or several if you are in Europe). Basically, you get the best (and worst) parts of a huge part of the world, make friends, and get paid decently. The company I worked for and highly recommend is Trek America.
If you are interested in experiencing travel destinations around the world, assignments are the best way to do it on a tight budget. However, it is important to realize that many of these jobs can sell out after a few months. My advice? Go short term; you can always find another job in even more exotic locations next season!
